Do You Have Chicago Street Smarts? Only True Chicagoans Can Pass This Quiz!
Chicago Street Smarts Challenge!
By BrainFall Staff - Updated: March 16, 2024
It’s a debate that has raged since the dawn of time: NY-Style or Chicago-Style pizza! Grab a napkin, take the quiz, and find out which style of pizza you are!
When you're faced with the epicurean conundrum of choosing between New York-style and Chicago-style pizza, it's not just a matter of taste—it's about declaring your allegiance in the great pizza debate. On one hand, you've got the New York-style pizza, known for its thin, foldable crust that's a veritable canvas for a smattering of delectable mozzarella and a classic tomato sauce. Grab a slice on the go and join the ranks of the Big Apple aficionados who'll argue its superiority at the drop of a hat.
On the flip side, hailing from the Windy City is the hearty, deep-dish icon that is Chicago-style pizza. This pie isn't shy about its generous layers of cheese, chunky tomato sauce, and an array of toppings, all nestled in a buttery, biscuit-like crust that could almost double as a cake. Dare to dig into this behemoth with a knife and fork, and you might just convert to the Chicago creed. So, pizza lover, which will it be? Will you champion the thin and trendy New York slice, or does your heart belong to the thick and indulgent embrace of Chicago's deep-dish delight? Take the quiz to find out where your pizza loyalty lies, and let the pizza party commence!
Ready to get a slice of the action? Let's toss up some facts as you face off in the great pizza showdown.
Chicago pizza, you hulking pie of delight, wears a crust like a heavyweight champ: thick, bready, and unapologetically deep. Each slice is a deep-dish wonderland, with a crust so robust, your fork and knife beg for action. On the flip side, New York pizza struts in with a thin crust that snaps with a crunch and bends with a graceful flop. The elegance lies in its simplicity, with a dough stretched so thin you could read a newspaper through it—not that you’d pause for current events mid-bite!
When it comes to sauce and cheese, NY pies flirt with your taste buds, casting a thin layer of tangy tomato sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella—it's an old-school, fold-and-go ritual. But Chicago? Oh, it’s a saucy rebel. It flips the script by ladling on the sauce over the cheese, sassing your senses with every saucy, cheesy bite. Nowhere else will you find such a rebellious layering technique that dares to challenge the status quo of your cheese-on-top expectations.
Remember, in the world of pizza pie, it’s not just what’s on the inside that counts—it's also what's on the outside that crusts just right. So are you Team Thick and Hearty or Team Thin and Crispy? Your answer awaits!
In the epic battle of the pizzas, your choice might just say more about your personality than merely your taste buds. Are you a grab-and-go kind of eater or do you revel in the ceremony of a sit-down meal complete with fork and knife?
New York City's pizza scene is as bustling as its sidewalks, with foldable slices so wide they practically demand a nimble hold and a streetwise fold. Thin-crust delights charred to perfection on a pizza stone are served up in mouth-watering triangular cuts. These slices are perfect for your on-the-move lifestyle, easily eaten while you tap your foot impatiently, waiting for the crosswalk signal. Whether you’re a busy Manhattanite or just visiting, there’s a convenient slice with your name on it—perhaps a foldable slice from the famed Di Fara Pizza.
On the flip side, Chicago’s iconic deep dish is an indulgent, sit-down affair. Picture yourself in Pizzeria Uno, the birthplace concocted by Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo, where hefty slices of thick, cheesy goodness require a plate, a fork, and maybe even a knife. Chicagoans argue that their pan pizza, complete with chunky tomato sauce on top and a rich array of traditional toppings like Italian sausage, spinach, and mushrooms, isn't just a meal—it's a full-blown eating experience.
New York-style pizza traces its origins to the Neapolitan immigrants who brought their traditional toppings and cheesy creations to America. Gennaro Lombardi, credited as the first pizzeria owner in the U.S., set the stage in 1905 for the thin-crust pizza we know and love, topped with tangy sauce and low-moisture mozzarella. It’s a nod to convenience without skimping on flavor—think of it as the edible equivalent of your iPhone: sleek, efficient, and oh-so-New Yorker.
However, if you fancy a more hearty helping of windy city wonder, then the Chicago-style pizza might be your soulmate in pie form. This type of pizza is a relative newcomer, with the first deep dish served up in the mid-20th century. The stuffed pizza, introduced by Nancy's Pizzeria, along with Rudy Malnati’s invention of the classic Chicago pan pizza, showcases the evolution of an American passion taking a flavorful twist on Italian traditions. Packed with meats, vegetables, and a luscious pizza sauce hidden beneath a golden layer of cheese, it's a testament to the belief that more is definitely more.
Armed with this knowledge, are you ready to declare your pizza allegiance? Will it be the quick-and-delicious New York slice or the indulgent Chicago pie? Remember, there's no wrong answer—just a delightful exploration of your own culinary personality. Still can't decide? Take the quiz over on Brainfall to find out whether you lean more towards the bustling streets of New York or the bold flavors of Chicago.